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In this section, you will get some helpful tools and advice on how to select the best study abroad program for you. You have a variety of programs to choose from in Argentina; they include: language academies, traditional universities, cultural tours and eco–adventures.

Prior to participating, students and their parents should take time to look at the different programs available for study abroad. One of the main reasons students cite for not studying abroad is that they start the planning process too late and miss the opportunity. The earlier you start researching programs, the better chance you will have to study abroad, include the coursework in your on–campus degree program, and graduate on time. The simplest way to find an appropriate study abroad program in Argentina is to look at programs available through your home campus; home campus faculty and staff can help you through the process.

1. Some Tools for Finding a Program

U.S. Home Campus Study Abroad Office/Resource Center: The best place to look for a study abroad program in Argentina is your U.S. home campus study abroad office (where available). The staff can help you through the process of finding a program, applying, participating, and returning home.

Websites: There are a number of websites with information about available study abroad programs in Argentina. Some websites we recommend are: StudyAbroad.com and IIE Passport.

2. Asking the Right Questions

The following is a list of questions to ask when looking for an appropriate study abroad program in Argentina. Along with speaking with program administrators in the United States, we suggest you speak with students who have participated in a study abroad program in Argentina. If possible, speak directly with a program administrator in Argentina to find out the strengths and weaknesses of their program.

Courses Available: What courses can be taken in Argentina? Will they be taught by U.S. home campus professors or foreign university faculty or locals? What credentials do they have? Have they taught U.S. students before? Is the set–up in a traditional classroom?

Transfer Credit: Will courses taken in Argentina count towards your U.S. degree program (major, minor, language, general education, etc.)?

Housing: Is housing provided as part of the program? Is it in an international university dorm? With a family/homestay? In an apartment? What part of the city? How far from where the courses are offered? Near public transportation?

Cost: What are the costs of the program, including tuition, administrative fees, room and board, international travel, in–country travel and excursions, extra costs, etc.?

Location: Where in the city are the program office/courses located? Is it in a modern city, a rural location, or a developing area with limited resources?

Duration: Is the program available for a year, semester, quarter, summer, short–term? How will the season and schedule compare to those at your U.S. home campus?

Language: Do you want to study in a language other than English? How much prior language training is required? What type of language training is offered? Are courses offered in English, Spanish or other languages?

Support Services: Does your U.S. home campus provide academic advisement and counseling to students through program orientations (some campuses require that all students take a semester–long course before studying abroad)? What types of support services and administrative offices are in place in Argentina?

Safety: Is there someone at the program's U.S. office and in Argentina who is specifically responsible for students' health and safety? What policies and procedures do they have in place? Do they have an emergency/evacuation plan?

Program Evaluations: Can you see program evaluations from other students who participated in the past?

Application Deadline Dates: What are the deadline dates to apply for the program? If you miss a deadline, can you apply late?

Deposits: Do you need to make any initial or non–refundable deposits in order to guarantee you a place in the program, etc.?

In addition to the above, there may be other, personal matters and questions you wish to discuss with program administrators before making any final decisions. Make sure to look through the rest of the Handbook for more health and safety information on studying abroad in Argentina.

3. Relevant Questions

What resources are available to help you find a study abroad program in the country of your choice?

What issues should you consider when looking for a program in the country of your choice?

Where can you find information on the strengths and weaknesses of programs in the country of your choice?

How can your U.S. home campus study abroad office help you?

4. Checklist

I have visited my U.S. home campus Study Abroad Office and/or looked through study abroad reference books and websites about the country of your choice.

I know what courses are available through the program I have chosen in the country of your choice.

I know whether or not I will be able to transfer the courses taken abroad in the country of your choice to my U.S. home institution.

I have researched the cost of the program in the country of your choice and what the cost covers.

I know where the program is located and where the abroad program office is located.

I have checked the length of the program and what time of year the program is offered.

I know in what language(s) the course will be offered.

I understand what support services are available through the program in the U.S. and in the country of your choice.

I know who is in charge of health and safety for the program.

I have spoken with students that have participated in the program and/or read written evaluations from past participants.

International Education of Students Homepage for the Institute for the International Education of Students (IES) which provides guidelines for evaluating study abroad programs.

Lonely Planet's Guidebooks Site of the publisher of one of the most popular student guidebooks on the market today, with links on where to buy.

Programs Abroad A resource of The Center for Global Education. The site provides an extensive listing with links to programs abroad, including internship, research, service learning and volunteer, study and work abroad programs.

Rough Guides guidebooks A travel site covering topics from world music to e:books.

Sarah's Wish This site provides helpful safety tips on things to remember when looking for a study abroad program provider.